Alcohol and Drug Prevention Policy

Statement of Purpose

As a recipient of federal grants and contracts, the following policy has been developed
to ensure compliance with both the Drug-Free Work Place Act of 1988 and the Drug-Free
Schools and Communities Act Amendments of 1989. Students are herein notified of the
standards of conduct which shall be applicable while on Western Kentucky University
property, and or participating in University-sponsored activities. Conduct which does
not comply with this policy poses unacceptable risks and disregard for the health,
safety, and welfare of the University community. Students may be subject to disciplinary
sanctions up to and including expulsion and /or referral for prosecution for violation
of this policy.

Alcohol and Drug Abuse Policy

Western Kentucky University prohibits the unlawful use (or as restricted by university
policy), possession, manufacture and distribution of illicit drugs and alcohol by
its students and employees on its property or as part of any of its activities. Persons
who violate this policy may be subject to campus disciplinary action and referral
to law enforcement agencies. Students found to have committed a violation of this
policy may be subject to University sanctions that may include: probation, suspension,
or dismissal. The level of sanction will be determined by assessing the seriousness
of the breach of policy, effect the conduct has on the institution, and the assessed
probability that other violations will not be committed by the person(s) in the future.
The minimum sanction for illegal sale or distribution of drugs includes separation
from the University and referral for prosecution. Referral to treatment programs will
be mandated when appropriate.

Distribution of Policy

At least annually, Western Kentucky University shall inform students of the dangers
of drug and alcohol abuse on campus, the existence of this policy statement, its penalties
for violations and of available drug and alcohol counseling, rehabilitation, and assistance
through the following actions:

1. Appropriate publication, at least annually, of this policy in appropriate student
publications and distribution to students in WKU’s international programs and to study
abroad participants;

Health Risks Associated with Alcohol and Drug Abuse

There are many serious and potentially irreversible or life-threatening effects from
the use of controlled substances. A summary of these effects is available on the WKU Student Wellness website.

Information regarding appropriate responses to students perceived to be under the
influence of alcohol and/or illicit drugs while engaged in University activities or
on University premises is available on the Judicial Affairs website.

Penalties and Sanctions

Internal

Under University regulations, students who violate the standards of conduct relating
to alcohol and other drug use may be subject to disciplinary action under student disciplinary process. Sanctions include, but are not limited to, warnings, restricted University participation,
parental notification, suspension from the University or probation, suspension or termination of employment.
Students who reside in Western Kentucky University housing are subject to additional
disciplinary action which may vary from a warning to termination of their housing
contract. Specifically defined sanctions for conduct violations appear in the Student
Handbook.

External

In addition to University sanctions, individuals may face prosecution and imprisonment
under state and federal laws which make such acts felony and misdemeanor crimes. Under
University regulations, and state and federal drug laws, the gravity of the sanction
depends on the classification of the controlled substance, the particular activity
(possession or trafficking, which includes manufacture, sale, and possession with
intent to sell) and amounts involved, and whether it is a first or multiple offense
or conviction.

Charts detailing Federal Penalties and Sanctions for Illegal Possession of a Controlled
Substance and Penalties of Kentucky Law for Driving under the Influence (KRS 189)
appear on the Judicial Affairs website.

Resources for Education and Treatment

Education and treatment resources are available to Western Kentucky University students
including: 24-hour emergency numbers; self-help groups and alcohol and drug treatment
programs. Not all resources have been screened by Western Kentucky University and
as such the University makes no specific endorsement or recommendations to any one
program.

Review of the University Program and Policy

Biennially, the University shall review its “Alcohol and Drugs Prevention Program
and Policy on Alcohol and Drugs” to determine effectiveness and to ensure that the
University’s disciplinary sanctions are consistently enforced. In order to accomplish
this, Western Kentucky University will review the number of drug and alcohol related
disciplinary actions; drug and alcohol related treatment referrals; drug and alcohol
related incidents and/or vandalisms recorded by campus police and by measuring student
attitudes and perceptions concerning drug and alcohol use through various assessment
instruments.

Required Reporting for Drug Related Convictions

Under the Drug-Free Workplace Act of 1988, as a condition of continued employment
and in addition to the other requirements of this policy, any employee who works in
any capacity under a federal grant or contract must notify his or her University supervisor,
department head or the Department of Human Resources, in writing, of his or her conviction
for a violation of any criminal drug statute occurring in the workplace or on University
business no later five days after such conviction. Within 30 days after receiving
such notice, the University shall take appropriate action and remedies within its
policies. If the employee is under a federal contract or grant, the University shall
notify the contracting or granting agency of the conviction within ten days. This
section is also applicable to students who receive a Pell grant (federal grant). The
University will continue make a good faith effort in continuing to maintain a drug
free work place through implementation of the requirements of this act.